Cecil M Harden Lake and surrounding campgrounds provide year-round outdoor recreation opportunities across 2,060 acres of water surface with 36 miles of shoreline. The region experiences humid continental climate with four distinct seasons and average summer temperatures around 85°F. Campgrounds near the lake typically fill to capacity during holiday weekends between May and September, with mid-week availability even during peak season.
What to do
Hiking unique terrain: Turkey Run State Park Campground offers trails through geological features not commonly found in Indiana. "We hiked Trail 3 with our dog, but we cut off early before the ladders using Trail 10. Our dog did pretty well in the section of Trail 3 before the ladders, and be prepared to get wet," notes Samantha S. Some trails travel through box canyons and active stream beds, creating more challenging hikes than typical Midwest trails.
Canoeing and kayaking: Multiple waterways provide paddling options beyond the main lake. At Sugar Creek Campground and Canoe Rental, visitors can access Sugar Creek. "We had an exceptional stay at sugar creek. The staff was beyond pleasant and helpful... Turkey run is only a 35 min drive to beautiful hiking," says Amy Y. The creek offers gentler paddling experiences suitable for beginners with rental equipment available on-site.
Disc golf courses: Several campgrounds feature disc golf as an alternative recreation option. Rockville Lake County Park has "a disc golf course in the woods, up and down ravine. 18 holes plus practice basket. Hole 1 starts by primitive sites closer to beach," according to Smeeta T. Courses typically remain open year-round with minimal fees or free play with campsite rental.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Many campers prefer the more secluded areas with natural separation. "We took our van and stayed at Turkey Run for a three night weekend. We were in a wooded section and it was pretty private... Next time I would probably pick the site on either side of 167," shares Samantha S. Wooded sites provide shade during summer months and natural barriers between camping neighbors.
Clean facilities: Cecil M Harden Lake Raccoon State Recreation Area maintains well-kept bathrooms and showers. "Bathroom facilities are very clean, new bike, walking, rollerblading path. Beach is large and clean. We go every year and love it!" mentions Jill W. Most campgrounds offer shower facilities with hot water and regular cleaning schedules.
Yurt camping options: Turkey Run State Park offers yurt accommodations as alternatives to traditional camping. "This campground was reasonably priced, had clean facilities and quite unusual and interesting hiking nearby," notes leif D. Yurt camping at Cecil M Harden Lake provides solid shelter options during unpredictable spring and fall weather, with most yurts accommodating 4-6 people on raised platforms.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Coverage varies significantly between carriers in the area. At Turkey Run, "I have AT&T service and had no problem with cell service, my husband has Verizon and his was spotty," reports Monica C. Most campgrounds have better reception near entrance stations or on higher elevation sites.
Wildlife encounters: Raccoons frequently visit campsites after dark. "As some other reviews stated, watch out for the raccoons. Those guys are not afraid of anything," warns Samantha S. Proper food storage in sealed containers or vehicles prevents unwanted visitors.
Site selection matters: Campground topography varies with many uneven sites. At Shakamak State Park Campground, "The sites are all flat- ALL FLAT!!! No inclined sites at all! Unheard of in an Indiana State Park," remarks Cynthia K. This differs from other local campgrounds where leveling can be challenging.
Tips for camping with families
Pool alternatives: When seeking swimming options beyond the beach, consider Shakamak State Park. "There is a large pool with water slides and diving board. The pool also had a splash area/wading pool for your smaller kiddos," shares DevinandKalah H. Most pool facilities operate between Memorial Day and Labor Day with limited hours after mid-August.
Playground access: Select sites near play areas for convenience. At Rockville Lake, "We stayed at site 1 thinking it would be nice for the kids to be next to a park but the park was pretty dull," mentions Shirlee A. Most campgrounds have multiple play areas with varying equipment quality.
Activity timing: Plan outdoor activities strategically to avoid crowds. "In order to avoid crowds on the trails, we got there Thursday night so we could hike Friday morning / early afternoon. Saturday we rented a canoe from a canoe place right down the road from the campground," suggests Samantha S. from Turkey Run.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many campgrounds feature sloped sites requiring leveling equipment. At Turkey Run Canoe & Camping, "The sites are difficult to get into and although they allow one car on the site there is barely room for that one car," notes Scott B. Carrying extra leveling blocks helps overcome uneven terrain.
Electric hookup positioning: Consider power cord length when selecting sites. "Bring an extension cord if you're in a pull through. If you want your door facing the fire pit- the electric box is in an awkward place," advises Cynthia K. about Shakamak State Park. Standard 25-foot power cords may not reach some pedestals.
EV charging options: Some sites accommodate electric vehicle charging. At Turkey Run, "All except the 'youth sites' had 110, 30, and 50 amp power. I was able to charge my EV without issue," mentions leif D. Charging times vary based on vehicle and available amperage.
